Howdy,

About 8 months ago, I had access to the use of a mini-excavator for
several days. Among other things, I used it to (crudely) transplant a
bunch of small trees. I just scooped 'em up, and placed them into
holes that I had prepared for the purpose. Most were evergreens, and
all of those are doing remarkably well. Their color is great, and they
all show lots of new growth.

One was an aspen, and it is the cause of my question:

It is far taller than all the others (about 15' tall) and, because it
was growing in a wooded area, it had leaves only at the very top. In
its new location, it is exposed to full sun.

It appears to be loaded with leaf buds at the top, but none have
opened. I had assumed that it had not survived the transplantation,
but just recently discovered a few leaf shoots growing from its sides
about six or eight feet above the ground.

What should I do to increase the chances of the tree's survival?

I could just wait, but have also thought about sawing it off above the
highest point of the leaf shoots. Perhaps there are other thoughts.

What would you suggest?

Sincere thanks,

--
Kenneth

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